Data backups: What software programs do I use or recommend and what is my backup strategy?
Responses
I regularly make copies of my data using commercial software programs, external hard drives, and online backup services. I also employ USB flash drives to transfer small files between computers.
I own 3 computers: an Intel iMac, a PowerBook G4 laptop, and an iMac G3 that functions as my file server. My most critical data is stored on the Intel iMac.
Once a week I run either SuperDuper! or Synchronize Pro X to clone the Intel iMac’s files onto a 250 GB G-Drive manufactured by G-Technology. The cloning process copies only changed files and folders, so the procedure usually takes only a few minutes to complete.
During the week, I employ several complimentary backup strategies. I use my iPod to back up my music files and digital photographs. I copy work-in-progress files (such as Photoshop documents) to my file server. Every other day, on average, I use BackJack’s online service (www.backjack.com) to copy the contents of an encrypted disk image that contains my accounting records and other important documents. While BackJack tends to be on the high end of the pricing scale ($17.50 per month for 6 GB of storage space), I feel that the cost is justified by the reliability of service and technical support that I receive.
When editing audio and video, I store digital media and render files on a two-drive RAID enclosure that I purchased from WiebeTech.
I regularly make copies of my data using commercial software programs, external hard drives, and online backup services. I also employ USB flash drives to transfer small files between computers.
I own 3 computers: an Intel iMac, a PowerBook G4 laptop, and an iMac G3 that functions as my file server. My most critical data is stored on the Intel iMac.
Once a week I run either SuperDuper! or Synchronize Pro X to clone the Intel iMac’s files onto a 250 GB G-Drive manufactured by G-Technology. The cloning process copies only changed files and folders, so the procedure usually takes only a few minutes to complete.
During the week, I employ several complimentary backup strategies. I use my iPod to back up my music files and digital photographs. I copy work-in-progress files (such as Photoshop documents) to my file server. Every other day, on average, I use BackJack’s online service (www.backjack.com) to copy the contents of an encrypted disk image that contains my accounting records and other important documents. While BackJack tends to be on the high end of the pricing scale ($17.50 per month for 6 GB of storage space), I feel that the cost is justified by the reliability of service and technical support that I receive.
When editing audio and video, I store digital media and render files on a two-drive RAID enclosure that I purchased from WiebeTech.
By: Dale Komai on October 10, 2007
at 4:16 pm